Workflow for Reports Management

The following figure illustrates a sample scenario for running, changing, and managing reports. This scenario assumes that your system administrator has granted you the necessary permissions to run reports and to access the Data Warehouse databases.

Sample Scenario for Running Dynamic Reports

1. In the Reports module, you run dynamic reports to analyze the effectiveness of your Web site and find out sales and Web usage data. For example, the Campaign Event Summary report can help you review the effectiveness of ad campaigns you place on your site.
2. In the Reports module, view a default dynamic report such as the Product Sales report.
3. In the browser window, modify an existing dynamic report definition by changing the date range or by adding more data to the report. You can also use the PivotTable list to add dimensions and measures to the existing report.
4. In the browser window, save the modified dynamic report as a new report definition.
5. In the Reports module, run the new dynamic report definition on a weekly basis or as often as necessary.

Sample Scenario for Creating New Dynamic Report Definitions

1. In the Reports module, run a customized dynamic report with data that you specify by using OLAP cubes or SQL Server queries. For example, you want to find out how many visitors used your site on a specific holiday, so you use the Web usage cube and the holiday date to analyze visits for that day.
2. In the browser window, click New Report.
3. In the New Dynamic Report dialog box, select a new cube or a SQL Server query for the new report, and click OK. You organize the layout of your report by using the PivotTable list.
4. In the browser window, save the new dynamic report definition. You can also use an existing dynamic report, such as the General Activity Statistics report, and save it as a new report with your added customization.
5. In the Reports module, run the new dynamic report to see the newly defined data.

Sample Scenario for Running Static Reports

1. In the Reports module, run a static report such as the New Registered Users report. (When you click the Run a report dialog box appears.)
2. Change the definitions in the Run a report dialog box to your specific needs. For example, in the New Registered Users report, you can specify all users, top users, or distinct users.
3. In the Completed Reports module, open the static report and view it in a browser window. The report appears with the information you specified (for example, top 100 users). You can print the report if necessary.

Sample Scenario for Exporting Static Reports

1. In the Reports module, export a static report as a list.
2. In the Run a report dialog box, change the definitions to meet your specific needs. For example, in the New Registered Users report, you can specify all users, top users, or distinct users.
3. In the Export Report as a List dialog box, select static or dynamic and name your list.
4. In the List Manager module, you can use a direct mail campaign to send a welcome message or a new member discount letter to the new registered users.

See Also

Exporting a Static Report

Securing Reports

User Lists and Mailing Lists

Importing and Exporting Lists

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